Search News

Results: 1-10 of 1010


Start again

1 May 2024

Small shops have been more "agile" at fighting COVID sale slumps than chain stores, according to a new report.

29 Apr 2024

A Peterborough store stocking products solely from local entrepreneurs said it is bucking the High Street trend and looking to expand due to its success.

29 Apr 2024

BIRA is giving independent businesses across the UK a powerful new resource with the launch of its “High Street Matters” podcast.

29 Apr 2024

The Guardian has reported independent shopkeepers saying prices they pay at Tesco’s cash-and-carry arm Booker are often higher than in Tesco’s stores.

18 Apr 2024

Independent record stores around the country are preparing to celebrate all things vinyl for this year’s Record Store Day on Saturday April 20th. 

18 Apr 2024

BIRA, the British Independent Retailers Association, has announced its partnership with this year’s SME National Business Awards., joining the 2024 awards as a leading sponsor, backing...

18 Apr 2024

A Midlands fish and chip shop is celebrating 40 years in business and offering half-price chips to mark the milestone.

18 Apr 2024

Assaulting a shop worker is to be made a separate criminal offence in England and Wales as part of a government response to a wave of retail crime. 

18 Apr 2024

Eleven new businesses that have opened in the last year in the historic arcades of Cardiff city centre’s Morgan Quarter, made up of the Morgan and Royal arcades, have helped the arcades...

15 Apr 2024

The Rediscovery Centre, the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland, today announced its partnership with Cytech, the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for...

Back to news menu

'Queen of Shops' seeks retailers

Posted on in Business News

Mary Portas, 'Queen of Shops' is returning to our screens with a new series and is looking for independent retailers to take part.

The show is calling for people who run independent shops which are struggling to survive or expand. As part of the programme the successful applicant will receive advice and guidance from one of the UK's Leading Industry Experts.

This request for the show comes after months of research for her government review on the state of our high-street. Mary Portas is determined to do more to breathe life back into our local shopping areas.

In her new series, Mary will work with small independent shops to implement some of her ideas. Shop by shop, she wants to transform the high-street into a centre for socialising and deliver the kind of service that will give locals a reason to go there. The producers of the show are looking for all types of retailers to take part: from local bakeries to bookshops, bridal stores to car dealerships, chemists to newsagents and DIY stores.

If you own the business and would like to find out more and want to apply to be involved please e-mail maryp@optomen.com or call 0203 227 5896.

You can also fill out this questionnaire and return by email to maryp@optomen.com or post it to this address: The Mary Portas Team, Optomen TV, 102 St Pancras Way, London, NW1 9ND

High Street Review

Last month Mary Portas announced 28 recommendations to improve the UK high street as a result of a six-month review.

ActSmart iconDuring this time Portas consulted with retailers, councils and trade bodies to identify ways of helping high streets to prosper. ActSmart were included in this consultation and focused on how to help independent retailers. Watch this space for more information regarding ActSmarts input and how the High Street Review will affect your business.

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.